Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public.
By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citisenship, companies are aware of how they impact aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental. Engaging in CSR means a company operates in ways that enhance society and the environment instead of contributing negatively to them.
Key takeaways
- Corporate social responsibility is a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance rather than degrade society and the environment.
- CSR can help improve society and promote a positive brand image for companies.
CSR includes four categories: environmental impacts, ethical responsibility, philanthropic endeavours, and financial responsibilities.
Explore more...
Click on the titles below for links to publications and websites that provide further information.
You may also be interested in our pages on:
Ethical employers and careers
If you want to find out more about working for an ethical employer or pursing an ethical career, use the following resources:
-
Ethical Corporation - business intelligence on various areas of ethical business practice. Membership required for some areas of the website
-
Ethisphere - rankings of the most ethical companies in 2015 (conducted by Ethisphere)
-
Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) has a section on globally responsible careers in STEM
Many employers now provide information on their corporate responsibility policies and practices in their annual report.
Resource information on Coporate Social Responsibility job roles
- Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability - links to resources and organisations to keep up to date with industry developments and news
- International Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCSR) - based at The University of Nottingham; includes useful links, news, events and opportunities for PhD students
- The Chartered Institute of Public Relations - a list of CSR consultancies, think tanks and other related organisations
- CR and Sustainability Salary Survey- you can download a report that gives an overview of salaries for the sector
- Ethical Performance - for jobs and the latest news about CSR to help prepare for an interview!
- UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) - current vacancies and courses for people seeking employment in socially responsible investment (SRI), CSR and sustainable investment
- Business In The Community (BITC) - a business-led charity which consults companies in order for them to act on corporate responsibility. It also has training opportunities, vacancies and useful case studies of successful projects
- Information on CSR job
- Different types of social impact roles at companies
What are the entry routes into roles in this area?
Watch this video looking at what is CSR, career opportunities, how to get a CSR role and challenges for CSR professionals.
Read the article: I want to work in CSR - what do I need to do?
How can I gain work experience in this area?
Read this article from LinkedIn on finding work experience in CSR
Tips for landing a role in this area
Photo by Carl Heyerdahl on Unsplash